Gezicht op het gemeentehuis van Bolsward before 1880

This photogravure depicts the town hall of Bolsward, likely made around the turn of the 20th century. It uses traditional techniques for image-making, involving etching a copper plate and then using it to make prints. Notice how the light interacts with the building's facade. The subtle gradations in tone and texture are possible because of the photogravure process, which allows for continuous tones rather than just black and white. Look closely, and you'll see how the rough texture of the paper also plays a role, catching the ink and adding depth to the image. The artistry here lies not just in the composition, but in the skilled labor required to produce the print. Each one would have been carefully made, reflecting a time when craft processes were still valued, even in the age of mechanical reproduction. The photograph gives us a view into the past, but the print itself is a product of its own time. By understanding these material and historical factors, we gain a deeper appreciation for the image and its place in the world.